How many times a year do you swing a little wild and graze the inside ball of one of your ankles? For me, it usually happens during a warm-up swing on an awkward stance shot. I'd say I pull this off about 2-3 times per season. Usually, it's just a minor shot that is creates a pretty good pain sensation. Last week though, I really blasted myself. Enough that four days later, I've still got a bit of a limp. I'll recover, but hopefully I've learned my lesson. It's not quite like a sledgehammer, but that head can do some serious damage.
Wii Is Making A Serious Push For Croquet
With the revolutionary controller, the Wii is perfect for croquet and exciting to see the release of a croquet game on the console as part to the compilation Summer Sports: Island Party game. The game is based on the backyard (one-ball) nine-wicket croquet version, but with some creativity, you can create a partner ball contest that is similar to the official nine-wicket rules.
Read MoreMaybe A Little Too Passionate About the Game
We've all been here before right? Well, maybe not. Check out this match gone bad from Hartland, Maine:
According to the Bangor Daily News, a family game of croquet turned ugly when one player was assaulted, another set fire to their home and the police were called in.
Neighbours said Andrew Fox III was playing croquet with his wife Lisa and her 16-year-old son. But when Fox lost the game, he turned toward his stepson and punched him in the head. The boy and his mom then ran to a neighbour's home and called police.
At the point, police say Fox barricaded himself inside the family's mobile home and set it on fire. An arrest quickly followed while firefighters were called in to extinguish the blaze.
WCF Worlds -- Maui Club Rundown
A little surf across the web this morning revealed this Maui Club breakdown of the World Championships. An excellent bracket that really clarifies how it went down. Good stuff.
England's Chris Clarke is World Champion
Chris Clarke won his second world championship by defeating Stephen Mulliner in four games this past weekend in Christchurch, New Zealand. Clarke last won in 1995.
2008 Finals Scores:
Chris Clarke (England) bt Stephen Mulliner (England) 9-26tp, 26-0tp, 26-17, 26-14
Story Link: press.co.nz
US Calendar -- February
Jan 31 - Feb 3 - - Sarasota County Winter Singles Invitational
Sarasota County Croquet Club, Venice, FL crokpeople@aol.com
Feb 1 - Feb 3 - - USCA Croquet School
National Croquet Center, West Palm Beach, FL usca@msn.com
Feb 5 - Feb 9 - - ORAC Invitational
Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, FL wgcamper@aol.com
Feb 12 - Feb 17 - - Useppa Island Invitational
Gasparilla & Useppa, Useppa Island, FL thecapstonegroup@comcast.net
Feb 15 - Feb 17 - - Mar-a-Lago Doubles Invitational
Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, FL Twenty6to2@aol.com
Feb 19 - Feb 24 - - Charles P. Steuber Invitational
National Croquet Center, West Palm Beach, FL archiepeck@aol.com
Feb 27 - Mar 2 - - Audobon Invitational
Audobon Croquet Club, Naples, FL jnjbalson@aol.com
Source: USCA Calendar Page (click for more details)
Palm Beach Results: Ben Rothman Wins
The Croquet World site reports that Ben Rothman defeated
John Osborn 26-2 to win the singles Championship flight
at the Palm Beach Invitational in Florida this weekend.
Resolutions for a New Croquet Year
Okay, so it's 18 days late, but here's a list of ideas for all you malletheads that is sure to enhance your 2008 croquet season:
1) Play in one event outside of your normal circle. If you normally play in a family game, find the nearest club and get in a game. The USCA site has a listing of clubs. If you normally play with a club, try hooking up with another club. Again, check the USCA website for clubs near you. If you normally play in the backyard by yourself, get a game going.
2) Join the USCA Nine wicket association. The provide a great service for croquet player and plus you get a magazine. If you're a nine-wicket member ($15), upgrade to full membership ($60) to recieve all three issues.
3) Go ahead upgrade to that tournament level mallet -- you won't regret it.
4) Try out a new game. One-ball players should try a team game or maybe golf croquet. Six-wicket pros should play a backyard game.
5) Check in with the Croquet Network blog every day.
6) Teach one person to play the game.
7) If you aren't already, organize a tournament or just volunteer to help out with one.
8) Add your club or croquet link to the Croquet Network Links page.
9) Support this site with a purchase from our Croquet Network Official Store at CafePress.com.
Fall Update -- Midwest
We'll kick this blog off with an update on Missouri Croquet Association action from the Fall. Here's the rundown:
Oct 6 -- Missouri Veterans Home Benefit Tourney
Flight A: Billy Bob BreedenFlight B: Gary Harlan($823 raised for Missouri Veterans Home)
Sept 21 -- Lee's Summit Open
Championship Flight: Billy Bob Breeden
"B" Flight: Dennis Langley
Sept 15 -- Midwest Open Warrensburg, Mo.
Championship Flight: Troy White
B Flight: Jeff Hathsoll